Video: Police arrest seven men involved in rural crime
21st March 2024
West Mercia Police celebrates the success of its operation to tackle rural crime across Shropshire after seven men were arrested.
The arrests took place on Wednesday 20th March and follow an eight-month investigation into serious and organised crime in the county.
The seven men, who are aged in their 20s and 30s, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary. All seven remain in police custody.
Officers also seized three firearms, along with a number of bladed weapons, a large quantity of cash, power tools and designer watches at the addresses.
The operation, called Op Gander, was launched in July 2023, following a massive spike in rural and agricultural crime around Shropshire.
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Impact of rural crime
Detective sergeant Ben Docherty said that the team takes rural crime “incredibly seriously”, as they understand the impact such a crime can have on insurance premiums, food prices, and damage to local communities.
He added: “Today’s warrants were able to happen thanks to our local communities, who continue to report these crimes to us, as well as working with us in helping to identify potential suspects.
“I would continue to encourage communities to take part in Rural Watch, which is a free scheme set up to support communities in the fight against rural crime. People can also sign up to Neighbourhood Matters, our free community messaging service, to keep up to date with the work local policing teams are doing in their area.
“There’s lots of information on things you can do to help prevent rural crime on our website, and I’d encourage anyone who is a victim to report it to us so that we can investigate.”
For more information, visit the rural crime prevention website.
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